Send a Ribbon Message

Send a message of thanks or congratulations to a graduate, professor, friend or family member to be displayed on the ribbon messages circulating around the Tsongas Center on Friday, May 16 or Saturday, May 17. Student rate: $10; Family/friends: $25
Choose from preformatted messages of thanks or congratulations by noon on May 9.

2025 Commencement Ceremonies

Friday, May 16, 2025 at Noon (12 p.m.)

The Friday afternoon graduation ceremony is for doctoral and master's students in all colleges.

  • 11 a.m. Doors to the Tsongas Center will be open to ticket holders 
  • 11:15 a.m.  All graduating students will assemble by college under a tent, located on the right side of the Tsongas Center in Lot B. Procession to begin promptly after line up.
  • Noon Doctoral and Master's Ceremony called to order (begins)
  • 2:30 p.m. Approximate end time 

Saturday, May 17, 2025 at 9 a.m.

The Saturday morning graduation ceremony is for undergraduate students in the Francis College of Engineering, the Kennedy College of Sciences, and the Zuckerberg College of Health Sciences.

  • 8 a.m. Doors to the Tsongas Center will be open to ticket holders.
  • 8:15 a.m. All graduating students will assemble by college under a tent, located on the right side of the Tsongas Center in Lot B. Procession to begin promptly after line up.
  • 9 a.m. Graduation ceremony called to order (begins)
  • 11:45 a.m. Approximate end time.

Saturday, May 17, 2025 at 2 p.m.

The Saturday afternoon graduation ceremony is for undergraduate students in the College of Fine Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences (FAHSS) and the Manning School of Business (MSB).

  • 1:15 p.m.  All graduating students will assemble by college under a tent, located on the right side of the Tsongas Center in Lot B. Procession to begin promptly after line up.
  • 1:30 p.m.  Doors to the Tsongas Center will be open to ticket holders.
  • 2 p.m. Graduation ceremony called to order (begins)
  • 4:30 p.m. Approximate end time 

Regalia

Ticket

Faculty and staff do not need guest ticket(s) to enter the Tsongas Center arena. Please bring your UCARD and show it to the security ambassador who can admit you.

Faculty Marshal(s)

If you are interested in serving as faculty marshal (responsibilities include, but not limited to, corralling graduates prior to the ceremony, processing/marching in academic regalia and in faculty marshal stole, and sitting on stage), please contact your corresponding college dean's assistant:

Tsongas Center Clear Bag Policy

To maintain a safe and secure environment, the Tsongas Center has implemented a that limits the size and type of bags that may be brought into the venue. at UML River Hawk Shop.